Black Box ServSwitch User manual

Manage and control up to 16 DVI
and USB servers from your desktop.
ServSwitch™EC Series Single-Head DVI USB, 16-Port
Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax
724-746-0746 • Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence,
PA 15055-1018 • Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]
Customer
Support
Information
KV9516A

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FCC and IC RFI Statements
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AND
INDUSTRY CANADA RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENTS
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio-frequency energy,
and if not installed and used properly, that is, in strict accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions, may cause interference to radio communication.
It has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing
device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC rules,
which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. Operation of
this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which case
the user at his own expense will be required to take whatever measures may be
necessary to correct the interference.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible
for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class A limits for radio noise
emission from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulation
of Industry Canada.
Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant les
limites applicables aux appareils numériques de la classe A prescrites dans le
Règlement sur le brouillage radioélectrique publié par Industrie Canada.
Normas Oficiales Mexicanas (NOM)
Electrical Safety Statement
INSTRUCCIONES DE SEGURIDAD
1. Todas las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser leídas antes
de que el aparato eléctrico sea operado.
2. Las instrucciones de seguridad y operación deberán ser guardadas para
referencia futura.
3. Todas las advertencias en el aparato eléctrico y en sus instrucciones de
operación deben ser respetadas.

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KV9516A
NOM Statement
4. Todas las instrucciones de operación y uso deben ser seguidas.
5. El aparato eléctrico no deberá ser usado cerca del agua—por ejemplo,
cerca de la tina de baño, lavabo, sótano mojado o cerca de una alberca,
etc.
6. El aparato eléctrico debe ser usado únicamente con carritos o pedestales
que sean recomendados por el fabricante.
7. El aparato eléctrico debe ser montado a la pared o al techo sólo como sea
recomendado por el fabricante.
8. Servicio—El usuario no debe intentar dar servicio al equipo eléctrico más allá
lo descrito en las instrucciones de operación. Todo otro servicio deberá ser
referido a personal de servicio calificado.
9. El aparato eléctrico debe ser situado de tal manera que su posición no
interfiera su uso. La colocación del aparato eléctrico sobre una cama, sofá,
alfombra o superficie similar puede bloquea la ventilación, no se debe
colocar en libreros o gabinetes que impidan el flujo de aire por los orificios
de ventilación.
10. El equipo eléctrico deber ser situado fuera del alcance de fuentes de calor
como radiadores, registros de calor, estufas u otros aparatos (incluyendo
amplificadores) que producen calor.
11. El aparato eléctrico deberá ser connectado a una fuente de poder sólo del
tipo descrito en el instructivo de operación, o como se indique en el
aparato.
12. Precaución debe ser tomada de tal manera que la tierra fisica y la
polarización del equipo no sea eliminada.
13. Los cables de la fuente de poder deben ser guiados de tal manera que no
sean pisados ni pellizcados por objetos colocados sobre o contra ellos,
poniendo particular atención a los contactos y receptáculos donde salen
del aparato.
14. El equipo eléctrico debe ser limpiado únicamente de acuerdo a las
recomendaciones del fabricante.
15. En caso de existir, una antena externa deberá ser localizada lejos de las
lineas de energia.

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NOM Statement
16. El cable de corriente deberá ser desconectado del cuando el equipo no sea
usado por un largo periodo de tiempo.
17. Cuidado debe ser tomado de tal manera que objectos liquidos no sean
derramados sobre la cubierta u orificios de ventilación.
18. Servicio por personal calificado deberá ser provisto cuando:
A: El cable de poder o el contacto ha sido dañado; u
B: Objectos han caído o líquido ha sido derramado dentro del aparato; o
C: El aparato ha sido expuesto a la lluvia; o
D: El aparato parece no operar normalmente o muestra un cambio en su
desempeño; o
E: El aparato ha sido tirado o su cubierta ha sido dañada.

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KV9516A
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Trademarks Used in this Manual
Black Box and the Double Diamond logo are registered trademarks, and
ServSwitch is a trademark, of BB Technologies, Inc.
Macintosh and Mac are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc.
Windows and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Sun and Solaris are registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems.
UL is a registered trademark of Underwriters Laboratories.
Any other trademarks mentioned in this manual are acknowledged to be
the property of the trademark owners.

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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Chapter Page
1. Specifications ............................................................................................7
2. Overview ............................................................................................8
2.1 Introduction ......................................................................................8
2.2 Features ............................................................................................8
2.3 What‘s Included ................................................................................8
2.4 System Requirements........................................................................9
2.4.1 Console Side........................................................................9
2.4.2 Computer Side.....................................................................9
2.4.3 Cables..................................................................................9
2.5 Hardware Description .......................................................................9
2.6 Configuration..................................................................................11
3. Installation ..........................................................................................12
3.1 PC BIOS Notice ...............................................................................12
3.2 Device Connection..........................................................................12
3.2.1 Console Connection ..........................................................12
3.2.2 Computer Connection.......................................................12
4. Operation ..........................................................................................14
4.1 Push Buttons...................................................................................14
4.1.1 K / M Reset..........................................................................14
4.1.2 Autoscan ...........................................................................14
4.2 LED Indicators .................................................................................14
4.3 OSD (On-Screen Display).................................................................15
4.4 Hotkey Commands .........................................................................21
Appendix. Troubleshooting ..............................................................................24
A.1 Problems/Causes/Solutions .............................................................24
A.2 Contacting Black Box ......................................................................28
A.3 Shipping and Packaging..................................................................28

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KV9516A
Chapter 1: Specifications
1. Specifications
Automatic Scan Interval — 3, 8, 15, and 30 seconds
Cable Length (Maximum) — At console: 15 ft. (4.5 m);
At PC ports for USB server: 15 ft. (4.5 m)
Hotkey Control — Yes
Hot Plug and Play — Yes
On-Screen Display — Yes
Operating Systems Supported — Windows®98/Me/7, Windows XP,
Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows Vista®, and Mac®
Programmable Scan Pattern — Yes
Video Bandwidth — 1920 x 1200 (WUXGA)
User Controls — (8) front-panel push buttons
Connectors — Console side: Monitor: (1) DVI-I F (digital only);
Keyboard/mouse: (2) USB Type A F;
CPU side: Video input: (16) DVI-I F (digital only);
Keyboard/mouse: (16) USB Type B F
Indicators — (33) LEDs: (2) per port, (1) Power per unit
Temperature Tolerance — Operating: +41 to +104° F (+5 to +40° C);
Storage: -4 to +140° F (-20 to +60° C)
Relative Humidity — 0 to 80%
Power — Input: 100–240 VAC, 50–60 Hz, autosensing;
Output: 12 VDC, 4 amps (maximum)
Size — 2.6"H (2U) x 17.25"W x 9"D (6.6 x 43.8 x 22.9 cm)
Weight — 8.4 lb. (3.8 kg)

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Chapter 2: Overview
2. Overview
2.1 Introduction
The ServSwitch EC Series Single-Head DVI USB, 16-Port enables a single user to
access and control up to 16 DVI computers from a high-definition console. It uses
one DVI and/or one VGA monitor, a USB keyboard, and a USB mouse.
The switch’s video enhancement technology ensures superb quality up to
1920 x 1200 resolution. The on-screen display (OSD) features computer naming,
computer selection, status indication, autoscan, and much more. The EDID table
ensures that the switched graphics card is always ready to work with your screen.
2.2 Features
Manage up to 16 servers with this simple plug-and-play KVM switch.
• Resolutions up to 1920 x 1200 (also 1920 x 1080).
• Perfect for small server rooms.
• 16-port DVI (single link) and USB KVM switch with USB/DVI console with
optional VGA output.
• Unit is 2U high.
• Supports Microsoft®IntelliMouse®(Pro).
• Operating system independent and transparent to all applications.
• Switch with hotkeys, front-panel push buttons, or use autoscan, which selects
servers sequentially.
• Hot-pluggable keyboard/mouse ports.
• Plug-and-play configuration.
• DDC2B compatible.
2.3 What’s Included
• (1) ServSwitch EC Series Single-Head DVI USB
• (1) universal power supply, 12 VDC, 4.0 A output
• (1) 6-ft. power cable
• Set of (4) foot pads
• (2) mounting brackets
• Assortment of screws

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KV9516A
Chapter 2: Overview
• This user’s manual
2.4 System Requirements
2.4.1 Console Side
• DVI and/or VGA monitor
• (1) USB keyboard
• (1) USB mouse
2.4.2 Computer Side
• USB-enabled DVI computer(s)
2.4.3 Cables
Each computer must be connected to the unit by:
• (1) USB cable and (1) DVI cable
OR
• (1) ServSwitch cable with DVI and USB (EHN900024U)
2.5 Hardware Description
Figures 2-1 and 2-2 illustrate the front and back panels of the KV9516A. Table 2-1
describes its components.
1 3
4
2
5
Figure 2-1. KV9516A front panel.

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Chapter 2: Overview
10
9
7
8
6
Figure 2-2. KV9516A back panel.
Table 2-1. KV9516A front and back panel components.
Number Component Description
1CPU Status LEDs LEDs light when the connected computer is
powered on.
2Port selection buttons Press buttons 1–8 individually to select a computer.
3CPU Select LEDs LEDs light when the connected computer is selected.
4AutoScan buttons
Press buttons 7 and 8 together to start AutoScan.
5Power LED Lights when power is on.
6Barrel connector Links to power adapter.
7Console USB Type A ports Keyboard and mouse ports for console.
8Console video port Attaches to the user monitor.
9Computer DVI ports Connect to a computer’s video cards.
10 Computer USB Type B ports Keyboard/mouse ports for computers.

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Chapter 2: Overview
2.6 Configuration
Figure 2-3 shows a single KVM switch configuration.
USB A-B
USB A-B
Figure 2-3. Single KVM switch configuraton.

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Chapter 3: Installation
3. Installation
Before installation, power off all devices that will be connected to this system.
• Make sure that all devices you will connect are properly grounded.
• Place cables away from fluorescent lights, air conditioners, and machines
that are likely to generate electrical noise.
3.1 PC BIOS Notice
The following BIOS setup changes are necessary for PC users and not necessary
for Mac users:
• In standard CMOS, set “Halt on Error” to “All but keyboard.”
• In PNP and PCI setup, set “PNP OS installed” to “YES” and set “USB IRQ” to
“Enabled.”
3.2 Device Connection
3.2.1 Console Connection
1. Plug the monitors into the console’s video port; plug a USB keyboard and a
USB mouse into the corresponding USB ports on the console.
Clone
DVI
VGA
Figure 3-1. Connecting the console.
NOTE: The HD15 (VGA) port on the console side of the KVM switch provides an
extra clone video signal of DVI.
3.2.2 Computer Connection
1. Use a male-to-male video cable(s) to connect both video ports on the
computer and the unit’s PC side.

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KV9516A
Chapter 3: Installation
NOTE: The connectors are physically DVI-I, but they only support digital video
signals.
2. Use a USB A–B cable to connect the unit’s USB port (B connector, square
connector) and the USB port on the corresponding computer (A connector,
flat connector).
NOTE: Use KVM Cable with DVI and USB connectors for easy installation.
(The cable part number is EHN900024U.)
3. Repeat Steps 1 through 2 for each PC port on the KVM switch.
4. Plug the external power adapter from an appropriate DC power source
(included) to the switch’s power port.
USB A–B
PC 8 PC 1
USB A–B
Figure 3-2. Connecting the computer.

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Chapter 4: Operation
4. Operation
Figure 4-1 shows the push buttons and LED indicators on the switch’s front panel.
Figure 4-1. Front panel.
NOTE: You can select a computer by pressing the push button directly, by issuing
hotkey commands, or by activating the OSD window.
4.1 Push Buttons
NOTE: Ports 1–8 represent the lower 8 ports and Ports A-H are the higher 8
ports. Ports 1 and A share the same push button, Ports 2 and B share the
same push button, and so on. If Port 1 is already selected, tap its push
button to select Port A. If Port 1 is not selected, press and hold push
button 1 for two seconds to select Port A.
4.1.1 K / M Reset
K/M reset solves most problems developed by keyboard, mouse, device
replacement, or change of configuration. Press down both the front-panel
number 1or 2push buttons for two seconds to reconfigure the whole system
without turning either the KVM switch or any computer off.
4.1.2 Autoscan
Press the 7and 8push buttons for two seconds to start autoscanning.
4.2 LED Indicators
The corresponding LED lights red to indicate that port is selected. If the
corresponding LED flashes red, the port is either in autoscan or manual scan
mode. The corresponding LED lights green when the port connects to a powered-
on computer. There are two rows of LEDs: the lower row is for numerical Ports
1–8 and the upper row is for alphabetical ports A-H.

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Chapter 4: Operation
4.3 On-Screen Display (OSD)
Figure 4-2. OSD screen.
To bring up the hotkey menu if it is enabled:
Press Left-Ctrl + Left-Ctrl within two seconds.

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Chapter 4: Operation
OR
Press Left-Ctrl + Left-Ctrl + Left-Ctrl within two seconds to display a KVM
Menu screen showing a list of the computers with corresponding port numbers,
names, and statuses. See Figure 4-2 above.
The port number of the currently selected computer is displayed in red, same as
the front indicator, at the upper-right corner of the OSD menu.
The color of a device name is green if it has power and is ready for operation.
The device name is white if it has no power. OSD menu updates the color when
it is activated. Press the PageUp and PageDown keys to view the other eight
computers.
Using the up-arrow, down-arrow, number 1to 8keys, or Ato Hkeys highlight
computer, then press the Enter key to select it. Or, press the Esc key to exit OSD
and remove the OSD menu from the display; the status window returns to the
display and indicates the currently selected computer or operating status.
Figure 4-3.
An eye-mark on the right of a name indicates that computer is selected and
monitored in Scan mode. In the OSD, you can switch this mark on or off by
pressing function key F2.
Press the Esc key to exit OSD and return to the selected computer; the computer
name is also shown on this screen.

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Chapter 4: Operation
Function key F1: Use this key to edit the name entry of a computer with up to
14 characters. First, highlight a port and then press F1 and enter the computer
name. Valid characters are A–Z, 0–9, and the dash (-) character. Lowercase letters
are converted to uppercase ones. Press the Backspace key to delete a letter one
at a time. Non-volatile memory stores all name entries until you change, even if
the unit is powered off.
Function Key F2: Use this key to switch the eyemark of a computer on or off.
First, use the up-arrow and down-arrow keys to highlight it, then press the F2 key
to switch the eyemark on or off. If Scan Type is Ready PC + eyemark, only the
power-on and eyemark-selected computers will be displayed sequentially in Scan
mode.
Function Key F3: Use this key to lock a computer from unauthorized access. To
lock a device, highlight it and then press F3. Enter up to four characters (A–Z,
0–9, or the dash [-] character) for a new password, then press the Enter key. A
security-enabled device is marked with a lock icon following its port number. To
permanently disable the security function from a locked device, highlight it, press
F3, then enter the password.
To access the locked device temporarily, simply highlight it and press the Enter
key. The OSD will ask you for the password. After you enter the correct password,
you can use the device. The device automatically re-locks when you switch to
another port. During Scan mode, the OSD skips the password-protected devices.
NOTE: If you forget the password, the only way to permanently erase all the
passwords is to press and hold the front-panel buttons 1 and 2, then press
and hold buttons 7 and 8. Release 7 and 8, then release 1 and 2.
Function Key F4: Press F4 for more functions. A new screen pops up displaying
more functions as described below. Most of them are marked with a triangle
indicating that there are options to choose from. Use the up-arrow and down-
arrow keys to select the functions, then press the Enter key. Press Esc at any time
to exit.

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Chapter 4: Operation
Figure 4-4. KVM menu.
Auto Scan: In this mode, the KVM switch automatically switches from one
powered-on computer to the next sequentially in a fixed interval. During Auto
Scan mode, the OSD displays the name of the selected computer. When Auto
Scan detects any keyboard or mouse activity, it suspends the scanning until
activity stops. Then, it resumes scanning with the next computer in sequence. To
abort the Auto Scan mode, press the Left-Ctrl button twice, or press any front-
panel button. Scan type and scan rate set the scan pattern. Scan Type (F4: More\
Scan Type) determines if scanned computers must also be eye-mark selected.
Scan Rate (F4: More\Scan Rate) sets the display interval when a computer is
selected before selecting the next one.
Manual Scan enables users to manually switch back and forth between active
computers via keyboard control. Type F4: (More\Scan type) to determine if
scanned computers must also be eye-mark selected. Press the up-arrow key to
select the previous computer and press the down-arrow key to select the next
computer. Press any other key to abort the Manual Scan mode.
Scan Type:
Ready PC + Eyemark: In Scan mode, scan through powered-on and eyemark-
selected computers.
Ready PC: In Scan mode, scan through powered-on computers.
Eyemark Only: In Scan mode, scan through any eyemark-selected computer
regardless of computer power status. The non-volatile memory stores the Scan
Type setting.

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Chapter 4: Operation
Scan Rate: Sets the duration of a computer displayed in Auto Scan mode. The
options are 3 seconds, 8 seconds, 15 seconds, and 30 seconds. The non-volatile
memory stores the Scan Rate setting.
Hotkey Menu: When you press the Left-Ctrl key twice within two seconds, the
hotkey menu appears displaying a list of hotkey commands if the option is on.
You can turn off the hotkey menu if you prefer not to see it when the Left-Ctrl
key is pressed twice. The non-volatile memory stores the hotkey menu setting.
CH Display:
Auto Off: After you select a computer, the port number and name of the
computer will appear on the screen for three seconds then disappear
automatically.
Always On: The port number and name of a selected computer and/or OSD
status displayed on the screen all the time. The non-volatile memory stores the CH
Display setting.
Position: The position of the selected computer and/or OSD status displays on-
screen during the operation. The actual display position shifts with different video
resolution, the higher resolution, the higher display position. The non-volatile
memory stores the Position setting.
Upper Left, Upper Right,
Lower Left, Lower Right,
Middle.
Country Code for Sun: Sun®keyboards of different languages have different
layouts. The KVM switch is able to emulate a Sun keyboard for a specific
language type or country such as Arabic, Belgian, US, Yugoslavia, and so forth.
Select the proper country code that matches ALL your Sun computers.
NOTE: The country code must be set before powering on the Sun computer.
Otherwise, the system may not function well.
Stand by EDID-Idle: In some cases, display problems may happen because of
incorrect EDID communication between the display monitor and the PC graphics
card or inappropriate EDID data programmed by display manufacturers. This
function enables the KVM switch to read the necessary EDID information from
the attached video display and then provide it at all times to the attached
computer.

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Chapter 4: Operation
Copy VGA
Copy DVI
DVI
VGA
Figure 4-5. Copy VGA and DVI.
If no new EDID information is available from a display, a default profile in the
KVM switch is automatically provided instead.
The system can get EDID details from the monitor by using the following
methods:
• Copy DVI: Under the DVI monitor connection, users can copy the DVI monitor’s
EDID data as the system video display setting.
• Copy VGA: Under the VGA monitor connection, users can copy the VGA
monitor’s EDID data as the system video display setting.
• Sequence Hunting: The system will automatically search any available EDID
data from the connected display or embedded EEPROM (Read-Only memory)
• Default: The display configuration will follow the factory default setting.
NOTE: When users plug both the DVI and VGA monitor into the video ports on
the switch, the DVI EDID data has the priority over the VGA EDID data.
NOTE: The system will automatically Copy the DVI EDID data as the system video
display setting when it detects the DVI monitor connection.
Function key F5: Press this key to switch the Sun mark of a port on or off
indicating the computer is a Sun server. When a Sun marked port is selected, the
KVM switch starts to translate the keys from a PC keyboard to a Sun keyboard.